The pied butcherbird engages in cooperative breeding , with a mated pair sometimes assisted by several helper birds.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Jardburrurru, Buubuurrbu, A-Gurruwurduk, Gurrbula-Gurrbula, Wado-Wadong, Yoy-Djedi, Debarn, Djooberan, Djooberang, Djooberin, Djoomerang, Djilkaran, Djarbren, Djarbin, Djarboorn, Djaberan, Djilerang, Dooberan, Karawong, Djoorlak
At a glance
FamilyWoodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
Habitatopen woodland, sparse woodland, closed forest, grassland, and herbaceous graminoids sparse hummock grasses
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
358210approx records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Adult has black head, upper breast, back, and tail that contrast starkly with white nape, breast, belly, and wing pattern. Immature similarly patterned in brown instead of black.
Behavior
More likely than Gray Butcherbird to perch atop trees and poles. Beautiful fluting, whistling song, sometimes heard at night.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Western Australia
Victoria
Queensland
Northern Territory
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory